Are you preparing for a trip to Ghana? Read this to streamline your travel process and know what to expect.
Traveling to a Ghana is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be intimidating, and quite frankly, stressful if you are not adequately prepared. Ghana is a culturally diverse nation that provides tourists with a unforgettable experiences. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip to the Motherland, there are a few things you must do before setting out on your journey. To ensure your adventure to Ghana is smooth and enjoyable, here's a comprehensive guide of what to do and essential travel tips to consider before visiting.
1. RESEARCH ON GHANA
Set Your Expectations
As a developing country, there are several key facts about Ghana that may or may not be useful depending on the purpose of your travel and other specifics. Ghana is a Tropical English-speaking nation on the Coast of West Africa. This means average daily temperatures are pretty warm (ranging from 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F) at peak hours on average). Although English is the official language, getting to know some fundamental words in Twi or Ga might significantly enhance your relationships with locals.
Local Norms To Note
Since Ghanaians are renowned for their warmth, understanding their cultural customs would make interacting with them easier. The average Ghanaian is conservative and reserved, but the older generation expects pleasantries / some form of acknowledgement whether or not they know you. Ghanaians are naturally very friendly people, yet our customer service bizarrely does not match our social energy. Luckily, tipping is optional so you can decide whether or not to tip subpar customer service. Haggling in Ghana is not just accepted but expected. The first price is never the true price unless you purchase from a store with fixed prices. Because Ghanaians are conservative, dress respectfully and decently. When visiting religious or cultural institutions, always get permission before taking pictures, and wear modest clothing. Do not greet or make payments with your LEFT hand as this is considered disrespectful. (See HERE for a crash course on Ghanaian-isms)
Learn What To Look Out For
Apart from the social cultural norms, customs, and traditions, go the extra mile to learn about added information for your own safety; like ingredients of local dishes if you have allergies, potential crimes or scams, safety protocols etc. Verify the ingredients of local dishes before sampling them if you have allergies. The most common crime in most countries is petty theft from pickpockets however we also have armed Okada assailants who wield pocket knives that they use to rob individuals, and MOMO scammers. There are also creative ways that thieves get your attention in order to stop cars so beware of this. Open-mindedness and respect for traditions can lead to memorable encounters and meaningful connections.
2. GET YOUR DOCUMENTS IN ORDER
Necessary Documents
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and that you have all the required travel paperwork and visas in order. With the exception of ECOWAS nationals, The Ghana Visa Policy suggests that all other countries of the world need some sort of visa to visit Ghana for tourism purposes. Visitors from non-ECOWAS African nations can travel to Ghana by applying for a Visa on Arrival. This visa can be obtained by applying for it at the immigration checkpoint.
Visa Application & Entry Requirements
The standard Ghanaian Tourist Visa Application requires an applicant to provide an invitation letter from a Ghanaian with a valid passport, proof of a tentative airline booking / ticket, recent passport pictures, a yellow fever vaccine, an indication of housing, the equivalent of $100 to $200 in fees, basic background information and a standard processing time of up to 8 Weeks so apply well in advance of your departure date. We no longer require a Covid vaccination as of 28.03.2022 or test, or immigration forms as of 21.03.2023.
Citizens from other continents have to apply for a visa to enter Ghana for tourism purposes through a Ghanaian Embassy however AccraEventsGH also offers services to assist with your preparation for your trip to Ghana.
The list of countries eligible for a Visa on Arrival in Ghana is as follows:
Algeria
Angola
Botswana
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Lesotho
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Seychelles
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
To ensure a hassle-free trip to Ghana, here is a comprehensive list of countries whose citizens must obtain an Embassy Visa before entering Ghana:
However with constantly changing policies, contact the Ghanaian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Credit Card Verification
Be sure to physically have the credit card used to purchase the ticket if you're flying on Delta Airlines or any of their partners because they require a credit card verification prior to your trip. If you do not have access to the credit card, have the credit card owner verify their card at the Delta Airport kiosk in their country prior to your trip else you may be denied boarding.
Have copies of your Important Documents
Make photocopies of necessary documents like your passport information page; visa; driving license, insurance card etc. and keep copies separate from the originals. Also store digital copies in a secure cloud storage service. Additionally, always carry extra passport photos.
3. SECURE A LIVING PLACE
This should go without saying, but a fair share of tourist to have reached out to myself and my friends for housing in exchange for sex. I've also had a decent number of visitors reach out via IG DMs at the last minute (as in, within 72 hours of their trip) which is astounding. Not only do you need a residence to apply for a visa but you just need somewhere safe to go back to during your fun adventures. This makes for a more comfortable stay, and a place to retreat to after a long day. AccraEventsGH offers services for assistance with housing based on your budget.
4. SORT YOUR FINANCES
Local Currency
Get acquainted with the Ghanaian Cedis (GHS), the local currency in Ghana. In all honesty, it is not a very stable currency, so verify the exchange rate of your currency to the Ghana cedi before coming. Convert and carry a small amount of USD/GBP or EUR to exchange upon arrival for a better rate. Do not change money at the airport, bank or hotel. They have the worst exchange rates in the country. Use local forex bureaus, or reach out to AccraEventsGH for access to the best exchange rates in the city.
Cash Is Better While many establishments accept credit/debit cards, they aren't accepted everywhere. Moreover some scam establishments use this opportunity to steal your card information for later use or to sell online. Always carry a little cash and store portions in different locations for extra assurance.
Saving & Cutting Cost
Bring cards that don’t charge foreign transaction or ATM fees. Again, avoid changing your foreign currencies at the Airport, banks and hotels since their rates are often higher than normal. Patronize local forex bureaus as this will not only get you better rates, but will save you the transactional charges. You can also reach out to AccraEventsGH for access to the best exchange rates in the city.
Talk to your bank
To ensure that everything runs smoothly using your credit or debit cards, notify your bank to unblock your cards before your trip to Ghana. Discuss foreign transaction fees with your bank and credit card companies; if the fees are excessive, explore opening an account at a bank that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or ATM fees.
Budget
Your trip will surely cost more than you think but plan your budget carefully so you don't overspend on non-priorities. You can budget by category (food, housing, entertainment etc.), budget by timeframes (daily, weekly, monthly) or both. Be generous with estimates, adding 25% to account for unforeseen expenses. You can also bargain in certain places, allowing for extra funds at the end of the day for savings or additional positive experiences for yourself. For assistance putting together a trip, budget and exciting itinerary, contact AccraEventsGH.
Investments
View certain items in your budget as investments. For instance, safer housing, car rentals, durable equipment, secure bags, weatherproof clothing and a comfortable pair of shoes for walking. don't overlook the importance of travel insurance, which proves invaluable in unforeseen circumstances.
Additional Money-Saving Tips
Other ways to cut your travel expenses include traveling with others, seeking out free entertainment and tour options, such as walking tours or museums. If rental car costs are a concern, opt for local transport. It is typically the most economical choice since it is used by locals. Again, save on communication expenses by getting a cheap prepaid SIM card from local carriers like MTN, Vodafone and AirtelTigo, rather than paying mad prices for international roaming. Finally, avoid paying for goods and services near tourist sites, as they are often overpriced with mediocre quality and service. For the cheapest possible prices on bookings, travel during the off season, book months in advance, search for flight in the airlines native language and use a private browsing when searching for flights and hotels so your search history can't be tracked by websites. Students get great discounts in certain spaces so bring your valid Student ID along if you have one.
5. PACK ACCORDINGLY
Essentials to Pack
Make sure you bring clothes that are suitable for the tropical weather. Light-colored, breathable clothing is advised. Also remember that Ghanaians are mostly conservative so pack modest clothing. Remember to pack basic items like bug repellant, anti-malarial medication, sunscreen, cozy walking shoes, and a power adaptor that fits Ghanaian outlets. We have Welcome packages with all the quality necessities you will need in Ghana in our online store.
Put Important Items In Your Carry-On
Important, essential and valuable items should always go in your carry-on (such as electronics, medications, cash, chargers, extra clothes, toiletries under 100ml, sanitizer, and valuable items like jewelry). Packing these in your carry-on can save time and money in case of delayed or lost luggage. Opt for key items and keep the carry-on light to avoid the strain of carrying a heavy bag.
6. GET YOUR VACCINES, REFILLS & OTHER HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
Get Vaccinated
Before traveling, it is essential to get vaccinated for Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and Yellow Fever. Remember to refill all your prescription medications. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance on recommended vaccines and medications for your trip to Ghana.
Insurance and other Health Safety Measures
Before your trip, consult a travel clinic or your doctor to determine recommended health precautions in Ghana. Additionally, It's essential to have all-inclusive travel insurance that addresses unanticipated events, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations as this will provide the much-needed security by preventing unforeseen costs. Check your policy to see if the activities you intend to undertake are covered.
Medicines & First Aid
Anti-malarial medication is not a requirement but we STRONGLY recommend you get on a course for stays of 2 months or less since malaria is common in some areas. Carrying along first aid items like painkillers and diarrhoea medications can come in very handy on your trip. Also pack essential medicines like prescription drugs; OTC meds (painkillers, anti-diarrheal, laxatives, Benadryl, lozenges, treatments for flus & sore throats); and a basic first aid kit for emergencies (equipped with band-aids, antibacterial cream, disinfectants and ointments). You never know when you'll need these and if you'll have access when the time arises so better be safe than sorry. Also remember to split these medical supplies between 2 bags in case one gets compromised.
Be Sensible
Indulge sensibly when in a new environment. Be cautious with the food and drinks you ingest. Watch out for allegens, uncooked food, unsanitary environments, food spots with slow traffic and other health red flags. Don't wait for another global pandemic before prioritizing safety precautions: Wash your hands before and after eating! Stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and maintain energy levels by incorporating at least one healthy meal option daily.
7. PLAN YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY
Make A List of Activities & Places
Start prepping for your trip well in advance so you meet all requirements and have a solid draft of trip activities. Utilize our AccraEventsGH online resources and media platforms to discover interesting places and unique experiences, including restaurants, tours, and historical sites. Embrace both popular and hidden tourist attractions - going off the beaten track is adventurous but the generic sights are known for a reason so don't shy away from those. Take some tours with us or use our online guides to visit popular attractions. Download the offline map of the cities and attractions you intend to visit to ensure accessibility even without service.
Be Flexible and Explore and Keep an Open Mind
Create a bucket list for each stop on your trip and pre-book some activities to avoid queues, but leave some days open for rest, unpredictable weather and spontaneity. Ghana is a historical, scenic, and culturally diverse nation. Be willing to travel and engage with people. Though Ghana has a lot to offer, we've still not figured out quick, attractive, convenient and easy public transportation so rent a car for added flexibility, more efficient time management and easier movement. Book a rental car with AccraEventsGH.
8. SORT OUT COMMUNICATION
Stay connected
In the digital age, maintaining connectivity is crucial while on the move. Access to power and the internet is essential for navigation, information, and communication services. Purchase an international roaming plan or a local SIM card (local SIM cards are significantly cheaper) and carry a power bank to ensure your gadgets stay charged. While staying connected is vital, exercise caution with public Wi-Fi. Don’t let the convenience of Internet access leave you vulnerable. Hackers can exploit insecure Wi-Fi to access personal information. Where wireless Internet service is needed, set up a virtual private network (VPN) for secure online access while traveling.
Ask The Locals
Locals are a valuable source of information, which remains a significant aspect of our culture in Ghana. Nevertheless, it is important to be careful when seeking advice and suggestions. Make sure to ask targeted questions to prevent coming across as confused and to get personalized recommendations that align with your preferences. Avoid seeking opinions from individuals who are compensated for their services. The most unbiased feedback will come from those without any vested interests. AccraEventsGH is impartial to activities and only gives visitors itineraries that align with their interests.
9. CONSIDER SAFETY MEASURES
Basic Safety Precautions
It's wise to exercise caution and adopt basic safety measures, such as avoiding dimly lit areas at night, as petty crimes can happen. Thieves or “kwashey boys” as they’re affectionately called, prefer to lurk in these dimly lit areas. Keep your valuables in hard to reach areas. For example, avoid carrying your phone in your back pocket while walking and do not leave valuable items near any open windows. Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and be careful who you trust. Embrace the adventure of exploring new places and meeting new people but use good judgment when interacting with strangers. Not everyone you encounter may have your best interests at heart, so maintain awareness, avoid drawing attention to yourself, refrain from following strangers, do not walk alone at odd hours and ensure that ride share drivers mention your name before getting in their car. Make new friends, but trust your instincts and practice sensible safety precautions.
Emergency Contact Information
Safety should be your top priority! Note the nearest embassy or consulate locations, your address and nearby landmarks. To improve the security of your space, shut your windows and be vigilant of your surroundings in general. To reach the police in Ghana, call 111, 112, 191, or 18555.
Let Others Know Your Travel Plans
Whether it's a short overnight trip or an extended international journey, share your itinerary with a few family members and close friends before departing. Check in regularly with your contacts at set intervals to give location and wellbeing updates. Avoid making live location posts when blogging or vlogging: leave a location before broadcasting your adventures.
10. JET LAG PREP
Follow the Time Zone in Ghana
In order to reduce the effects of jet lag, particularly when facing considerable time differences between your home country and Ghana, make sure to stay well-hydrated throughout your flight and synchronize your daily routines with the GMT time zone before arriving in Ghana. When you're on the plane, try to adapt your sleeping patterns to match those of Ghana's nighttime and remain active during its daytime hours. By following this methodical strategy, you can reset your internal body clock and make the adjustment to the new time zone more seamless.
You'll be ready to make the most of your vacation to Ghana and make priceless memories if you follow these tips. Savour the cuisine, embrace the culture, cherish the warmth of the Ghanaian people, and more importantly, check on the official Accra Events GH website for fun ways to enjoy your stay in Ghana. Safe Travels!
ADDITIONAL TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Embrace the unpredictability of travel, be open to the unexpected; stay calm and go with the flow when things go wrong. Be courteous, treat others as you would like to be treated, and recognize the benefits of kindness.
Live in the moment and fully experience the new culture. Wake up early to beat crowds and take advantage of your trip. You can be lazy when you get back home.
Opt for local experiences over commercial places and familiar chains (eg.Fast Food Chains and popular hotels etc). Eat local and interact with the locals.
Rely on reviews for housing but be cautious with TripAdvisor for activity and dining recommendations, as they may lack diversity. Their results come from popular websites that repeat the same attractions. Their reviews also tend to be skewed and easily manipulated.
Utilize hotel lobbies for amenities and trustworthy information. You may need to make a small purchase before using their services but it’s worth the comfort and safety.
If you need to cancel a hotel reservation, consider rescheduling before cancellation to navigate hotel policies effectively.
When flights get canceled, don’t queue to talk to an agent. Call the airline or use the app.
Ensure the temperature regulation for air and water works when you get to your room.
At the airport, lines with businessmen are more likely to move faster than lines with families
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